The gaming community is buzzing — and for good reason. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has entered a new phase in its settlement with Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite. This time, it’s about more than just policy updates or terms of service tweaks. We’re talking about real money — over $126 million in refunds being sent to millions of players. It’s all part of a broader $245 million agreement aimed at resolving allegations that Epic used manipulative design tactics, often labeled as “dark patterns,” to lead players — many of them kids — into making unintended in-game purchases.
Key Takeaways:
- More than $126 million in refunds are now being distributed to Fortnite players.
- This is part of a $245 million FTC settlement with Epic Games.
- The settlement targets deceptive billing and unauthorized purchases, especially those made by minors.
- Refund eligibility includes purchases made between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Parents whose kids made unauthorized charges between January 2017 and November 2018 are also covered.
- Users who had accounts locked after disputing charges during that period are eligible as well.
- Deadline to file or update claims is July 9, 2025.
- Refunds are issued via check or PayPal.
- A separate $275 million penalty was imposed on Epic for COPPA violations, bringing the total to $520 million.
This current distribution — over $126 million — follows an earlier wave in December 2024, when $72 million was disbursed. So far, about $198 million has been paid out, with roughly $47 million still on the table. It’s a sizeable effort, signaling the FTC’s increasingly firm stance on protecting consumers, especially younger ones, from being nudged into purchases they didn’t really mean to make.
Unpacking “Dark Patterns” and Unwanted Charges
At the heart of this case is the concept of “dark patterns.” These aren’t just quirky design decisions — they’re manipulative layouts or button configurations that subtly push users toward spending money. In Fortnite, this meant players might accidentally make purchases while waking the game from sleep, navigating loading screens, or even just trying to preview an item.
According to the FTC, it wasn’t just an isolated issue. The way the game was structured made these missteps almost inevitable for some, resulting in numerous complaints. Players were often left wondering how they’d been charged — sometimes with no clear purchase confirmation or explanation.
Worse still, when some users tried to reverse these charges through their credit card companies, they found themselves locked out of their accounts. That meant losing access not just to the game, but also to any legitimately purchased content. For many, it became a lose-lose situation.
Who Can File a Claim?
The eligibility criteria are fairly broad, ensuring a large group of affected players can seek refunds. Here’s who can apply:
- Accidental In-Game Charges: If you were charged V-Bucks for cosmetic items or other virtual goods between January 2017 and September 2022 — and you didn’t mean to make that purchase — you’re likely eligible.
- Unauthorized Purchases by Children: If your child made charges on your credit card without your knowledge or consent between January 2017 and November 2018, you could qualify.
- Account Lockouts: If Epic locked your account between January 2017 and September 2022 after you disputed a charge, that’s grounds for a claim too.
While minors can be affected, it’s important that a parent or legal guardian files the claim on their behalf. And just to clarify — this claims process is currently limited to U.S.-based players.
Beyond Refunds: The COPPA Violation and Privacy Measures
The refund effort is only part of the broader legal action. The FTC also hit Epic with a $275 million fine over violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). That penalty, the largest ever under COPPA, was tied to Epic’s collection of data from kids under 13 — without obtaining verified parental consent.
The FTC found evidence that Epic knew full well children were among its user base — surveys, licensing efforts, and internal notes all pointed to that. Yet the company allegedly failed to adjust its data collection practices accordingly.
Also alarming: the game’s default voice and text chat settings allowed children and teens to communicate with strangers. According to the FTC, that setup exposed young users to potential harassment, bullying, or worse.
As part of the agreement, Epic is now required to set stricter defaults for kids and teens — essentially turning off voice/text chat by default and requiring parents to give explicit permission before enabling those features for players under 13.
Filing Your Claim: What You Need to Know
If you haven’t filed a claim yet, there’s still time. The FTC has extended the deadline to July 9, 2025, giving folks a second chance to participate.
To file, visit www.ftc.gov/fortnite. If you received a notification email from the FTC, you’ll need the claim number included there. If not, you can use your Epic Account ID. The website provides instructions on how to find it if you’re unsure.
One crucial reminder: the FTC will never ask you to pay to file a claim or receive a refund. Any message suggesting otherwise is almost certainly a scam.
Refunds are being distributed either by check or via PayPal — you can choose when you file. Just make sure to cash or deposit the check within 90 days, or accept your PayPal payment within 30 days.
While two rounds of payments have already gone out, the FTC expects to issue additional payments in 2026, once all remaining claims are processed. The amount each person receives can vary, depending on how many valid claims are filed and how much was spent. For reference, average refunds so far have ranged from about $114 to $130.
Epic’s Response and What Comes Next
Epic Games responded publicly when the settlement was first announced in December 2022, expressing agreement with the terms. The company noted its commitment to improving player experiences and being proactive about consumer protections.
To that end, Epic said it had already begun redesigning its purchase system to require clearer consent and had stopped locking accounts over disputed payments — both changes mandated by the FTC settlement. It also introduced stronger parental controls, giving families more tools to oversee spending and communication within Fortnite.
These shifts aren’t just for show. They represent an important step toward rebuilding trust, particularly with parents concerned about how easily their kids could rack up unexpected charges.
A Ripple Effect on the Gaming Industry
What’s happening with Epic isn’t happening in a vacuum. This case sets a precedent — not just for how companies design interfaces, but for how they handle young users’ privacy and data. Regulators have been watching the gaming world more closely, especially as monetization tactics have grown more aggressive and less transparent.
This settlement underscores that regulators like the FTC are prepared to intervene — and impose serious consequences — when companies fall short. It sends a clear signal: ethical design and robust privacy protections aren’t just nice to have. They’re non-negotiable, particularly in games frequented by children.
Expect other game developers to take note. Because if Epic — one of the industry giants — can be held accountable on this scale, others may soon find themselves under similar scrutiny.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the Fortnite refund settlement about?
A1: It stems from an FTC case against Epic Games, which alleged the use of “dark patterns” to manipulate players into unwanted purchases and violations of children’s privacy laws. The result? Epic agreed to pay $245 million in refunds and another $275 million for COPPA violations.
Q2: Am I eligible for a refund?
A2: You might be, if:
- You were charged for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made unauthorized charges between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Your Fortnite account was locked after disputing those charges.
Q3: How much can I expect to get?
A3: It varies. Earlier rounds saw average payments of $114 and $130. The final amount depends on your claim and how many others are filed.
Q4: How do I file a claim?
A4: Go to www.ftc.gov/fortnite. Use your claim number or Epic Account ID. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must fill it out.
Q5: What’s the deadline?
A5: July 9, 2025.
Q6: How will I get my refund?
A6: Either by check or PayPal. Just make sure to respond within the timeframe — 90 days for checks, 30 days for PayPal.
Q7: When will I get paid?
A7: More payments are expected in 2026, once all claims are reviewed.
Q8: Does the FTC charge for processing claims?
A8: No. If someone asks for payment, it’s a scam.
Q9: What are “dark patterns” in games?
A9: They’re sneaky design tactics meant to trick users into spending money or making choices they might not otherwise make. Fortnite’s confusing button layouts were a key example.
Q10: What did Epic do wrong under COPPA?
A10: The FTC said Epic collected data from kids under 13 without parental consent and left voice/text chat on by default — potentially exposing kids to harm. The company was fined $275 million and required to change its privacy settings.
